BECOMING A WOMAN OF THE WORD

In 2016, Redeemed Girl launched a new blog series entitled “Becoming a Woman of …” This monthly discipleship feature is all about becoming the women of God that we were created to be. We believe that Jesus redeemed us for a glorious purpose and transforms us into women who radiate His glory to the world.  Each month we will dive into a topic that touches on a different aspect of that beautiful transformation.

As I think back over my journey with Jesus, I know the single most important thing the Lord used to transform my life was the Bible. I can see myself, new to faith but hungry to know God more, sitting with my Bible, coffee, and pen with eyes-wide in wonder as I discovered the exquisite gem of Scripture.

The Word of God proves supernatural as it changes us from the inside out. Through it I’ve come to know God deeply, experience His forgiveness and grace, discover my true identity, strengthen my faith, and discern His direction for life.  I love how the following quote summarizes the power of the Word of God.

“This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the Judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.” (Unknown author)

Hear how the Bible testifies about itself:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Just think about that description for a moment: the Bible is the breath of God. Through HIs Word, He breathes into us life, understanding, power, wisdom, and strength. Thinking of the scriptures in this context, then it is plain to see how we can’t live without the breath of God filling our souls. This month, we at RGM want to encourage you to become a woman of the Word.  Just as our physical bodies need air to breathe, we require the Word of God to truly live.

A Few Tips on Becoming a Woman of the Word:

1. Start with One Book: For those of you who are new to the Bible or just now taking reading God’s Word seriously, let me give you some advice. Simply begin with one book of the Bible and read it thoroughly and slowly. When I meet with women, I always recommend the Gospel of John or the Gospel of Luke. Both of these accounts of the life of Jesus are great starting points and will help you as you begin to follow Him.  Once you’ve read through the Gospels, then I would suggest reading the book of Genesis.  (For those of you more familiar with the Bible, stay tuned for more tips for your daily time with God.)

2. Read Slowly: As you read God’s Word, engage with the story. Stop and absorb the setting, scene and situation of each moment in the life of Jesus. Try to put yourself in the audience and hear Jesus speak or watch Him perform miracles as you stand in awe. Remember, the Bible is God’s revelation to us of Himself. So engage with it and allow the words to become life!

Journal! Journal! Journal! — In case you can’t tell, I’m a little passionate about journaling. The Bible is God’s Word— which means He is speaking to you!! As you read it is so helpful to keep a journal and pray through the Word.

3. Practice the REAP method when reading the Word and journaling.

A favorite of Redeemed Girl Ministries is called the R.E.A.P. (Read. Examine. Apply. Pray.) method.  All you need is your Bible, a journal, a quiet place and an open heart. This method is best used with a Bible reading plan. A Bible reading plan can be found here or on the RGM app. Let me break down the REAP Method for you:

READ

• First, open your journal and record the date. I love to look back on my journals and see how specifically God spoke to me through His Word at a time that I needed it most.
• Then I begin with a short prayer asking God to speak to me from His Word.
• Next, I suggest following a Bible Reading Plan. Find today’s reading and record the passages at the top of your journal page. (Click here for a Bible reading plan.)
• Prayerfully read the text. Don’t rush through, slow down and soak.
• Finally, spend some time reflecting and writing about what you’ve read in your journal pages.

EXAMINE

• Write down the key Scriptures that stuck out to you.
• Write down thoughts on what you’ve read from the entire section.
• Ask the Important Examination Questions as You Read the Text:

   ◦    Who? (Audience, Speaker, Subject)

◦    What? (Context, Purpose, Problem)

◦    When? (Time, Duration, Season)

◦    Where? (Setting, Situation, Location)

◦    Why? (Motivation, Purpose, Intent, Lesson, Truth)

◦    How? (Call to Action, Example to Follow)

APPLY

We should never just read the Bible without applying what we learn to our lives. Respond in your journal to the following questions and anything else that comes to mind.

• How does this text apply to your life, circumstances, and relationship with God?
• Write out how you will be different today because of what you have just read.

   ◦    What do I learn about God (the Father, the Son, the Spirit) from this scripture?

◦    What do I learn about myself from this scripture?

◦    What commands/instructions should I obey?

◦    What truth can I apply to my life?

◦    What sin do I need to confess?

◦    What error can I avoid?

◦    What promises can I claim?

PRAY

Take time to have a conversation with God based on your time in HIs Word.  Share your concerns, questions, hopes, dreams, and needs. Allow the Word to fuel  your prayers.

5. Enroll in a Bible Study Course! There are so many incredible courses offered at churches across the country so that you can learn God’s word. Here is one that we love:

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)—BSF is an amazing ministry, and they host Bible studies across the globe. These studies cover individual books of the Bible and are great for truly learning God’s Word more.

6. Every Redeemed Girl Needs a good Study Bible! I must confess, I’m a little bit of Bible nerd. I have so many different versions and translations. I strongly suggest a study Bible that includes good resources and commentaries that help you understand the history, context, and terminology. Here are a few great ones:

Life Application Study Bible NIV

ESV Study Bible

7. Attend Redeemed Girl Institute— For any woman who is ready to take it to the next level, she must attend Redeemed Girl Institute, which is, by the way, my favorite week of the year. RGI is a week away from work, school and normal day-to-day life where women can experience God as we dive into HIs word..  RGI focuses on teaching women the Bible and how it applies to their life.  We seek to provide a time of immense learning but also of deep transformation. The last thing we want is more information about God; we hunger for a revelation of Jesus that transforms our souls. We want to wrestle with deep questions and point one another to truth.

Redeemed Girl Institute is for women 18 and older. RGI is held this year at the exquisite, emerald waters and white sands of Destin, Florida.  Joining me on the teaching team are my friends, Leigh Kohler, Sharie King, Kat Harris and new to the RGI family is Crystal Hurst Evans.

For more information on RGI or to register, visit redeemedgirlinstitute.com

April “Becoming a Woman of the Word” Giveaway!!!!

Anyone who registers for RGI will be entered into our drawing to win an ESV Study Bible!! *Register before April 31st to qualify.

Marian Jordan Ellis